1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge immediate action to protect Washington residents during what the CDC has confirmed is the worst flu season in over 20 years. During the last week of December, approximately 8.2% of doctor visits nationwide were for flu-like symptoms, the highest level since the 1997-98 flu season. Nearly all US states are reporting high or very high flu activity levels as a new virus strain called subclade K continues to spread. The CDC estimates that at least 11 million people have contracted flu this season, resulting in 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. Nine children have died from influenza. Dr. Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, described this as "definitely a banner year" and noted it's striking to see such intensity following last year's already severe flu season, as back-to-back severe years don't typically occur. The situation is particularly concerning because vaccination rates have declined significantly. Childhood flu vaccination dropped from 53% in 2019-20 to just 42% this season. Adult vaccinations fell from nearly 61 million to roughly 48 million. Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein emphasized the urgency, stating "We are seeing children who are seriously ill, families grieving devastating losses, and hospitals under capacity strain." I urge you to take immediate steps to increase vaccine access and awareness in Washington. This includes opposing any federal changes that would make childhood vaccines harder to access through additional consultation requirements. Dr. Michael Osterholm from the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy predicts substantial flu activity will continue for another 3-4 weeks, and it takes 7-10 days to develop immunity after vaccination. Please prioritize public health messaging, expand vaccine availability at community sites, and ensure our hospitals have the resources needed to handle this crisis. Washington families need your leadership now.